#EkitiDecides2026: Ekiti residents task ADC governorship candidate on their expectations

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria's Ekiti State have voiced strong expectations for their governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, urging him to prioritize security and economic development if elected. At the ADC's final rally in Ado-Ekiti, supporters articulated their desire for the candidate to tackle the pervasive issue of kidnapping, which has become a significant destabilizing threat across Nigeria. They believe Bejide, described as an employer of labor with experience, can bring about positive change.

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This will be the most successful election in this state. We campaign against vote buying.

Beyond security, voters highlighted the need for economic empowerment and improved education. Specific calls included reducing the cost of university education and empowering the youth. Traders also emphasized the importance of reducing taxation. These concerns reflect broader challenges facing the region, including weak state protection and fragmented security responses that have allowed criminal activities like banditry and kidnapping to flourish.

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He is an employer of labour, ur and he promised us employment, security, no more abductions.

Dare Bejide is one of 14 candidates vying for the governorship in an election scheduled for Saturday, June 20. The incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, is also seeking re-election. The ADC supporters' rally aimed to galvanize voters, with speakers like Olatunji Olawale describing the event as a "testament of what will happen on Saturday" and emphasizing a campaign against vote buying. The supporters urged residents to participate and cast their votes for the ADC candidate, hoping for an end to insecurity and a boost to the state's economy.

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Focus on security, the economy, education and youth empowerment.